Pigeons hold on in rumble on the river

Goals: Corowa Rutherglen: Kaelan Bradtke 4, Darcy Hope 3, Elijah Amery 1, Jaiden Butson 1, Jedd Longmire 1, Darcy Melksham 1.

Yarrawonga: Matt Casey 6, Nick Fothergill 3, Leigh Williams 2, Cam Wilson 2, Jensen Hargreaves 1, Willie Wheeler 1.

Best: Corowa Rutherglen: Darcy Hope, Tyler Roos, Tom Forrest, Kaelan Bradtke, Elijah Amery, Jack Rowston.

Yarrawonga: Nicholas Irvine, Max Findlay, Daniel Howe, Nicholas Fothergill, Ben Coghill, William Wheeler.

A six-goal masterclass from returning spearhead Matt Casey helped Yarrawonga notch up its first win of the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League season, overcoming Corowa-Rutherglen by 20 points at John Foord Oval on Saturday.

In just his second match back following off-season shoulder surgery, Casey wasted no time stamping his authority on the contest.

The Pigeons' forward bagged five majors in a scintillating first half and finished with six for the match, playing a pivotal role in the 15.7 (97) to 11.11 (77) victory.

The win was a crucial one for the reigning grand finalists, who had suffered narrow defeats to Albury and Wangaratta in the opening rounds.

This time, they turned the tide after the main break, booting seven goals to three in a dominant second half.

Casey underwent surgery in early November to repair a shoulder that had plagued him with repeated partial dislocations last season. After a cautious start in round two, Saturday’s performance showed he's fast approaching full fitness—and full confidence.

He wasn’t alone in hitting the scoreboard. Smooth operator Nick Fothergill chipped in with three goals, showcasing his usual composure and class around goal.

Leigh Williams and Cam Wilson added two apiece, with Wilson especially physical in his approach to the contest. The tough-as-nails midfielder didn’t shy away from contact and threw himself into every contest—particularly meaningful as he lined up against his former club in Corowa-Rutherglen.

Around the ground, Yarrawonga was well-served by Dan Howe and Willie Wheeler, whose ability to use both sides of their body with skill and confidence gave the Pigeons great balance and clean ball movement.

Their experience and polish through the middle were key pillars of Yarrawonga’s second-half surge.

Nick Irvine, who was named best afield for the second week in a row, was a standout across half back.

His superb intercept marking continually repelled Corowa-Rutherglen's forward entries, and his elite footskills set up countless attacking chains from defence—providing the Pigeons with critical rebound and drive throughout the day.

Matt Holgate also stepped up when it mattered most. His strong efforts in the ruck during the second half came at a critical time, giving Yarrawonga first use and helping the midfield get on top when the game was in the balance.

New recruit Max Findlay continued to make his mark early in the season. His eagerness to play in front of his opponents and create pressure contests made him a valuable target and kept the Roos’ defence under constant stress.

As the game entered the final term, two key moments helped seal the Pigeons’ victory.

Jacob "Snowy" Adkins produced a brilliant run-down tackle in the middle of the ground, halting a dangerous Corowa-Rutherglen passage of play and keeping the momentum firmly with Yarrawonga.

Then, with just minutes left on the clock, Jensen Hargreaves, the boy from Hay, launched a stunning 50-meter bomb through the middle for his first goal in Yarrawonga colours.

His teammates flocked to him in celebration, and the goal effectively sealed the victory for the Pigeons.

The result leaves Yarrawonga at one - two heading into round four, while Corowa-Rutherglen also sits on one win.

With Wodonga recording a victory this round, Wodonga Raiders now remain the only team yet to register a win in 2025.

Losses to Wangaratta and Lavington mean there are no unbeaten sides left in the competition, pointing to what could be a wide-open race in the weeks ahead.

Yarrawonga will look to build on its momentum this week as they take on the Myrtleford Saints in the first game at the JC Lowe Oval in 2025.

Oakfm player of Year Award - votes from Corowa Rutherglen v Yarrawonga.

5 Matt Casey, 4 Cody Schutt (CR), 3 Willie Wheeler, 2 Dan Howe, 1 Darcy Hope (CR).

Reserves

Corowa Rutherglen 16.10.106 def Yarrawonga 6.7.43.

The Pigeons reserves start to the year has begun on a rough note, going down to Corowa Rutherglen by 60 points.

Yarrawonga were able to match it with the Roos early as Brandon Symes and Brock McCabe were moving well up forward providing a strong target.

Dillon Walsh Hall showed signs up forward kicking two goals whilst Jack Eales was impressive in his move into the ruck.

Down back, Todd Muldoon showed some good fight and resistance along with Zac Fraser and Matt Grinter throughout the midfield who touched it out all day.

The Pigeons will look to bounce back strongly on their home deck this weekend against Myrtleford.

Goals: Brandon Symes 2, Dillon Walsh – Hall 2, Jack Eales 1.

Best: Brandon Symes, Todd Muldoon, Zac Fraser, Matthew Grinter, Brock McCabe, Jack Eales.

Thirds

Corowa Rutherglen: 2.1, 4.3, 6.4, 11.6.72.

Yarrawonga: 2.1, 2.3, 7.4, 8.5.53.

Goals: Corowa Rutherglen: Deagan Purcell 3, Isaac Dickinson 2, Caile Duryea 2, Lucas Webb 2, Jayden Forge 1, Tex Longmire 1.

Yarrawonga: Lucas Eales 3, Samuel Trembath 3, Lewis Henley 1, Connor McCarty 1.

Best: Corowa Rutherglen: Jay Lavis, Hunter Hall, Flynn Byrnes, Ethan Lane, Jayden Forge, Isaac Dickinson.

Yarrawonga: Benjamin McDonald, Seth Lawrence, Lucas Eales, Lewis Henley, Riley Bone, Samuel Trembath.

Pigeons Loft

The trip along the river was a mixed bag, with wins and losses equally shared.

The A Grade clash, featuring two teams likely to be thereabouts come September, was a quality contest, and the 2pm game delivered a solid win to the Pigeons.

While the rest of the footy results didn’t all go Yarrawonga’s way, it was great to see both the U15s and U17s secure strong wins.

Five wins from six games for the underage netballers marks a promising start to the season.

This week is the first proper home game, and as has been the tradition for a few years now, that means ladies day.

Weather permitting, the eastern outer will be decked out in Bang Events finery, with catering by The Blacksmith and Jaycees. Tickets are hard to come by, but if you’re lucky, Caitlin Jaques might be able to sneak you in.

Around the ground, you may notice the expansion of the ongoing picket fence project.

If this is your first visit to the ground in 2025, you’ll also see significant works completed between the courts and the pavilion. Much of this has been done by own playing group, but special thanks go to current and former players Matthew Grinter (Murray River Electrical), Tyler Sprunt (AXT Plumbing), and Matt Irvine (Irvine Builders) for their huge efforts in transforming the southern and western sections of the venue.

Still haven’t got your membership? No worries! You can grab one at the gate or from Hargraves (16 Orr Street, Yarrawonga) during business hours.

A big thank you to the major partners for their ongoing support:

Club Mulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, RuralCo, The Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel, and BG Finance.

Thursday nights

In season 2025, Thursday night teas will continue each week before an Ovens and Murray match. For bye weekends, follow YFNC on Facebook to stay in the loop!

Important dates

May 31– Annual Club Ball at Club Mulwala

June 7 – Annual Past Players Function at JC Lowe Oval (Midday).